1979 Ford Escort vs. 1976 Plymouth Trail Duster
To start off, 1979 Ford Escort is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Plymouth Trail Duster. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Plymouth Trail Duster would be higher. At 6,555 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Plymouth Trail Duster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Plymouth Trail Duster (163 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 118 more horse power than 1979 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Plymouth Trail Duster should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Plymouth Trail Duster weights approximately 945 kg more than 1979 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 Plymouth Trail Duster is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1979 Ford Escort. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1976 Plymouth Trail Duster will offer significantly more control. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1976 Plymouth Trail Duster (393 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 333 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1976 Plymouth Trail Duster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ford Escort | 1976 Plymouth Trail Duster | |
| Make | Ford | Plymouth |
| Model | Escort | Trail Duster |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 939 cc | 6555 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 393 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Vehicle Weight | 875 kg | 1820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1890 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2700 mm |
